With a cultivated area of 41,000 hectares alongside an expected yield of 500,000 tons by 2026, Dak Lak durian has become a primary agricultural export commodity.

Don't let the durian go alone

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, compared to 2022, the provincial durian cultivation area has increased by 82.6% in conjunction with its output by 137.4%; while only 7,500 hectares have been granted growing area codes, together with just 41 fresh durian packing facilities receiving the approval. This indicates rapid industry growth, yet capabilities regarding traceability, quality control, raw material sourcing, processing, combined with logistics still need further strengthening.

Comrade Do Huu Huy, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, PPC Chairman, emphasized the requisite to move beyond agricultural production mindset toward the agricultural economy, driven by quality, efficiency, science - technology, data, together with innovation. The provincial leadership affirmed that the industry needs to aims for a more ambitious goal than just focusing on the output, in order to enhance the value per hectare, boost farmers' incomes, as well as elevate the Dak Lak durian brand status in the international market.

Dak Lak province is undergoing a major shift in mindset, moving beyond purely agricultural production toward an agricultural economy, establishing a sustainable, transparent alongside professional ecosystem.

Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Le Minh Hoan noted that different stakeholders have their own views on durian. The concept of "Don’t let the durian go alone" goes beyond simple linkages between growers and businesses; it requires the integration of data, standards, science, markets, logistics, processing in coordination with management responsibilities.

Dak Lak province has established 28 cooperatives specializing in durian production, 185 cooperatives connecting with enterprises, combined with seven major companies building export-standard value chains. In 2025, 84 durian samples from 38 crucial growing areas satisfied the standards regarding pesticide residues coupled with cadmium content. However, quality control must be implemented across soil, water, seedling alongside cultivation processes; it cannot be managed only at the final stage.

From value chain to industry ecosystem

While a "value chain" represents the journey from production to distribution, an "industry ecosystem" remains a broader concept involving the responsible participation of farmers, cooperatives, enterprises, scientists, banks, logistics providers, testing agencies, regulatory bodies, digital platforms, combined with the market. This marks a shift in the mindset regarding Dak Lak durian development.

Mr. Le Minh Hoan emphasizes that the industry ecosystem needs to be viewed from a 5-to-10-year perspective. In this framework, the government acts as a connector among stakeholders; enterprises make long-term investments into raw material zones; scientists conduct research on varieties coupled with processes, while simultaneously fostering processing, digital transformation alongside innovation.

A local facility for purchasing, packing, combined with exporting durian.

According to Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of Chanh Thu Group JSC, the "hot" growth has outpaced the development of growing area codes, packing facilities, together with the operational capacity of enterprises, cooperatives, alongside farmers. Product quality remains a bottleneck that must be urgently addressed to bolster market confidence.

Dak Lak province is actively seeking investment in raw material zones, packing facilities, testing services, cold storage, deep processing, in conjunction with logistics infrastructure across 18 industrial clusters, 14 industrial zones along with 13 wholesale markets for coffee coupled with durian designated in the provincial plan. Furthermore, the province expects the connections established at the recent forum, "Connecting Durian Production and Consumption: A Sustainable Durian Ecosystem" (held on August 16th), to be transformed into investment projects, production linkages, combined with specific commercial contracts.

Dak Lak is progressively establishing a strategic position for its durian industry through quality control, supply chain integration, value addition, market diversification, along with  building a reputable brand.

Translated by TRINH THUY